JP2016066970A - Communication device and control method for communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device and a control method for reducing a load of the whole network by suppressing generation of communication accompanying re-learning of various types of information needed for packet transmission.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: an interface unit 130; a transfer unit 120 that includes a first storage unit 124 for storing transmission destination information 128 on a packet received by the interface unit and determines a transmission destination by using the received packet and the transmission destination information; a control unit 110 for controlling the whole device; and a second storage unit 112 with which a transfer unit and the control unit can perform communication and which stores transmission destination information and interface unit identification information for identifying an interface unit. The control unit, when having detected change in an operation state of a transfer unit, acquires interface unit identification information on an interface unit and controls whether or not to store transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit in a first storage unit, on the basis of acquired interface unit identification information and interface unit identification information stored in the second storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication device control method.

  As a background art in this technical field, there is JP 2011-233992 A (Patent Document 1). This publication describes a packet transfer apparatus using a distributed architecture having a large number of three elements: a plurality of line cards, a crossbar switch, and a control unit.

  There are tens of thousands of packet transfer devices (packet transmission devices) such as switches and routers configured in a distributed architecture connected to tens of thousands to millions of communication terminals (hosts) as described in Patent Document 1. By communicating with millions of communication terminals (hosts), it learns various information necessary for packet transmission such as address information and route information, and has a transfer function such as a line card for packet transmission By storing (holding) various pieces of information necessary for packet transmission in the memory of the (transfer unit), packet transmission is performed when the received packet is transmitted to an appropriate destination.

  Taking the Ethernet protocol as an example, the packet transmission apparatus learns a source MAC (Media Access Control) address and an input port from the first packet. The packet transmission device searches the MAC address of the destination of the packet with reference to the learned MAC address and the input port, and determines the destination after performing the search. As another example, in the case of route information of a routing protocol, the packet transmission apparatus receives route information that is periodically transmitted, constructs a routing table, and determines a destination.

  In addition, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-166021 (Patent Document 2), in an information control system configured by connecting a plurality of nodes on a network, each node transmits / receives its own / other node information. When the received node information 31 is different from the node information 31 held in the own node, the received node information is stored in a volatile storage medium and a nonvolatile storage medium provided in the own node, and when a failure occurs, By reading the node information 31 stored in the non-volatile storage medium in the own node, each node can autonomously restore the node information ”(see summary).

JP 2011-233992 A JP 2007-166021 A

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, when the transfer unit is replaced due to maintenance or failure, the transfer unit newly added to the packet transmission apparatus does not store various information necessary for the packet transmission. Since the added transfer unit is in an operational state in which packet transmission can be performed again after activation, it is necessary to learn and hold various types of information again. Therefore, it takes time for the newly added transfer unit to be in an operational state in which packet transmission is possible, and communication occurs along with relearning until the learning is completed, which places a load on the entire network.

  Similarly, when the power of the transfer unit is turned off and then turned on again, it is necessary to learn and retain various information again, and it takes time for the transfer unit to be in an operational state where packet transmission is possible. Until completion, communication occurs along with relearning, and the entire network is loaded.

  For example, in the case of the Ethernet protocol, communication is always required before the MAC addresses of tens of thousands to millions of communication terminals connected to the packet transmission device are registered in the packet transmission device. It takes time to reach an operational state in which packet transmission is possible. Further, when receiving a packet from a communication terminal whose address has not been learned, the packet transmission apparatus floods the packet to all communication terminals connected to the packet transmission apparatus in order to specify a destination. For this reason, flooding of tens of thousands to millions of communication terminals connected to the packet transmission apparatus occurs, which places a load on the entire network.

  With packet transmission devices such as small switches and routers, the number of connected communication terminals was small, and it did not take much time to relearn, so it did not become a big problem, but tens of thousands to hundreds In packet transmission devices such as switches and routers connected to tens of thousands of communication terminals, it takes time to re-learn tens to millions of communication terminals, and flooding for all communication terminals occurs. There was a problem that the entire network was loaded.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 described above, when information (node information) such as a destination necessary for transmitting data to a node at the time of starting the node is in a nonvolatile storage medium, the node information is described as follows. It is disclosed that a state can be quickly restored to a state before the power is cut off by using the node information read into the volatile storage medium and using the read node information.

  If the technique described in Patent Document 2 is applied to the packet transmission device described in Patent Document 1 (described as “Packet Transfer Device” in Patent Document 1), for example, when the transfer unit of the packet transmission device is activated. Various information necessary for packet transmission is read into the transfer unit, and packet transmission is performed with reference to the read various information.

  However, various pieces of information necessary for packet transmission that the transfer unit learns and holds are constructed and updated based on information included in the received packet and an external network device and a network interface that transmits and receives the packet. That is, various types of information have a corresponding relationship with the base network interface and are linked.

  As described above, in the packet transmission apparatus, it is important which transfer unit stores various pieces of information necessary for packet transmission. However, Patent Document 2 discloses the exchange of the functional unit of a node that performs communication. It is not considered to select a storage medium from which node information is read when the node is activated.

  As described above, even if the technique described in Patent Document 2 that does not consider any conditions or the like when storing node information is applied to the packet transmission apparatus described in Patent Document 1, Packet transmission cannot be performed by referring to various information read after the transfer unit is activated.

  In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention includes an interface unit that transmits and receives a packet, and a first storage unit that stores transmission destination information that is information about the transmission destination of the packet received by the interface unit. The transfer unit that determines the transmission destination using the received packet and the transmission destination information, the control unit that controls the entire communication device, and the communication unit that can communicate with the transfer unit and the control unit. And a second storage unit that stores interface unit specifying information for specifying the communication unit.

  When detecting a change in the operation state of the transfer unit, the control unit acquires the interface unit specifying information of the interface unit, and uses the acquired interface unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit And controlling whether the destination information stored in the second storage unit is stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of communication associated with relearning of various information necessary for packet transmission, and to reduce the load on the entire network.

  Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

It is a block diagram which shows the packet transmission apparatus of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the transmission destination information recording table of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the apparatus state management table of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the backup transmission destination information of a present Example. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure of the packet transmission apparatus at the time of detecting the stop of any function part of the packet transmission apparatus of a present Example. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure of the packet transmission apparatus in the case of extracting a transfer part, without extracting the network I / F part of a present Example. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure in the case of extracting the network I / F part of a present Example.

Hereinafter, the packet transmission apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a packet transmission apparatus 100.
The packet transmission apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a communication apparatus having a packet transmission function, and includes a control unit 110 that controls and manages the entire packet transmission apparatus 100, a dedicated processor that performs packet transmission processing, and a memory that is a storage unit. And a network interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F (Interface) unit”) including a plurality of physical network interfaces (ports) connected to various networks. Also, it is simply provided as an “interface unit” or “I / F unit”) 130 (130-1 to 130-n).
Note that the packet transmission device 100 may include a plurality of control units 110. Further, the packet transmission apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied to a communication apparatus such as a switch or a router configured in either a distributed architecture or a centralized architecture.

  The packet transmission device 100 includes a plurality of transfer units 120 and network I / F units 130, and each of the plurality of transfer units 120 and network I / F units 130 can be inserted into and removed from the packet transmission device 100. That is, it is configured to be insertable / removable and exchangeable. Further, the packet transmission device 100 may have a plurality of control units 110. In this case, a redundant configuration in which one control unit 110 configures an active system and the other control unit 110 configures a standby system can be employed.

  In this embodiment, “exchange” means that the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 are removed at the place where the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 are extracted. Inserting or transferring a new transfer unit 120 and / or network I / F unit 130 to a place where the transfer unit 120 and / or network I / F unit 130 has been removed The transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 are inserted in a place (for example, an empty slot) that is different from the place where the unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 are removed. Or the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 are removed, and a place different from the removed place (for example, an empty slot). A new transfer unit 120 and / or a network I / F unit 130 are inserted into a plurality of transfer units 120 and / or a plurality of network I / F units. This is to be performed at 130. In addition, the control unit 110 detects a change in the operation state of the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 by exchanging the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130.

  Further, the packet transmission apparatus 100 is connected to another packet transmission apparatus 100-1 or an information processing terminal (electronic computer) via ports 131 (131-1 to 131-n) mounted on the network I / F unit 130. 101 is connected to transmit and receive packets. Further, the packet transmission device 100 may be connected to the packet transmission device 100-2 in another region via the network 102 to transmit and receive packets.

  The packet transmission device 100 can be connected to the external memory 104, and can download various data stored in the external memory 104 (for example, an update file of an operating system file of the packet transmission device 100).

  The transfer unit 120 controls the transfer unit 120 and performs various processes necessary for packet transmission with the routing processor 121 that is a transfer control unit that performs transfer processing of received packets, and is transmission information that is information about a packet transmission destination. A routing memory 124, which is a storage unit for storing the destination information 128, is provided. In the following description, a specific transfer unit 120 will be described with a branch number (such as “−1”). The network I / F unit 130 is the same.

  The routing processor 121 refers to the routing memory 124 and learns various types of information such as a destination included in a packet received from the port 131 of the network interface unit 130 and determines a destination. The routing processor 121 stores the transmission destination information 128 created by the routing processor 121 in the routing memory 124.

  In the routing memory 124, transmission destination information acquired from the packet is written as transmission destination information 128 every time a packet is transmitted to and received from the network I / F unit 130. That is, the routing processor 121 updates the transmission destination information 128 every time a packet is transmitted / received. The transmission destination information 128 stores a plurality of types of various information for transmitting a packet. For example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), a dynamic route (RIP (Routing Information Protocol) ), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)), MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching), and NAPT (Network Address Port Session information).

  In addition, the destination of the packet can be defined by the control unit 110, and destination information that is information indicating the destination of the packet set in the routing processor 121 of the transfer unit 120 is also included in the transmission destination information 128. . The destination information includes, for example, dynamic route setting information, VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), filters, QoS (Quality of Service), ACL (Access Control List), and IPsec (Security Architecture Information).

The MAC address table 128-a and the OSPF route information table 128-b stored in the routing memory 124 are examples of the transmission destination information 128.
The MAC address table 128-a is created and updated when the routing processor 121 of the transfer unit 120 receives a packet from the outside. The MAC address table 128-a is a representative table that is completely created in the transfer unit 120-1 as the transmission destination information 128 stored in the transmission destination information 128 stored in the routing memory 124.
The MAC address table 128-a includes MAC addresses of other communication devices connected to the packet transmission device 100, a port identifier for identifying the port 131 of the network I / F unit 130, and the like.

The OSPF route information table 128-b is created and updated when the routing processor 121 of the transfer unit 120 receives an OSPF route information packet from the outside. This OSPF route information table 128-b is transferred to the control unit 110 as well as the transfer unit 120 as the transmission destination information 128 stored in the routing memory 124, and the configuration file (setting information) stored in the flash memory 113. This is a typical table created against a file.
The OSPF path information table 128-b includes a port identifier for identifying the port 131 of the network I / F unit 130, an address of an adjacent communication device, a connection state with the adjacent communication device, and the like.
The routing memory 124 is generally composed of an associative memory (CAM (Content Addressable Memory)), but may be composed of other volatile memory or nonvolatile memory.

The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that controls and manages the entire device, and a memory 112 that is a storage unit that stores an operating system file (not shown) for performing control and management of the entire device. A flash memory 113 is provided as a storage unit for storing a configuration file for defining device operation definitions and operation definitions during communication. The configuration file may be read from the flash memory 113 or may be read from the memory 112 after being expanded in the memory 112 once.
Also, an external memory I / F 114 and a communication port 115 are provided. The control unit 110 downloads various information (data) stored in the external memory 104 via the external memory I / F 114.

  The CPU 111 is information for managing the state of the packet transmission apparatus 100, such as the configuration of the entire packet transmission apparatus 100, for example, the model name of the control unit 110, the transfer unit 120, the network I / F unit 130, the serial number, the mounting position, and the like. Acquisition is performed as device status management information, and storage in the memory 112 is performed as a device status management table 119 illustrated in FIG. The CPU 111 repeatedly (for example, periodically) acquires device state management information and stores it in the device state management table 119, and updates the device state management table 119.

  Also, the memory 112 stores backup transmission destination information 140 including a backup of the transmission destination information 128 stored in the routing memory 124 of the plurality of transfer units 120, a device state management table 119, and a transmission destination information recording table 118. The Details of the backup transmission destination information 140 will be described with reference to FIG. Details of the transmission destination information recording table 118 will be described with reference to FIG. The memory 112 may be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

  Unlike the memory 112, the backup transmission destination information 140 may be stored in another memory (not shown) included in the control unit 110. Further, the backup transmission destination information 140 is stored in a memory (for example, a memory included in a common unit (not shown) other than the control unit) that is communicable (accessible and connectable) from both the control unit 110 and the transfer unit 120. It may be stored. Unlike the memory 112, the other memory included in the control unit 110 and the memory that can be communicated (accessed) from any of the control unit 110 and the transfer unit 120 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. Good.

  Unlike the memory 112 and the memory 112, other memory included in the control unit 110 and memory that can be communicated (accessed) from any of the control unit 110 and the transfer unit 120 include MRAM (Magnetorative Random Access Memory) as a nonvolatile memory. It may be adopted. When the MRAM is adopted, the power source of the packet transmission apparatus 100 is replaced due to a power failure or the like when the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 is replaced (after the new transfer unit 120 is inserted and the new transfer unit 120 is set). The backup transmission destination information 140 can be maintained even after the interruption, and after the packet transmission apparatus 100 is restarted, the exchange operation of the transfer unit 120 (setting operation of the new transfer unit 120) can be continued.

  The information processing terminal 103 performs operations such as monitoring the state of the packet transmission device 100 and changing the configuration file via the communication port 115. Further, the information processing terminal 103 uploads / downloads any data that can be stored in the packet transmission device 100 via the communication port 115.

  When replacing the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 stores backups of various information stored in the routing memory 124 included in the transfer unit 120 in the memory 112. A backup of various information stored in the memory 112 is restored to the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120 newly inserted.

  Further, the control unit 110 exports (writes out) backups of various information stored in the memory 112 of the packet transmission apparatus 100 to the external memory 104 or the information processing terminal 103 via the external memory I / F 114 or the communication port 115. Or stored in another packet transmission apparatus 100-1 via the network I / F unit 130-1. Conversely, backup data of various information exported from the other packet transmission apparatus 100-1 can be imported to the memory 124-1 of the transfer unit 120-1 of the packet transmission apparatus 100 or the like.

  When the information processing terminal 103, which is a management terminal, retrieves (exports) the backup transmission destination information 140 stored in the memory 112 of the control unit 110 via the communication port 115, the packet transmission device 100 Data that displays “Do you want to export the destination information? Yes or No?” Or the like is transmitted to the processing terminal 103, and the user who operates the information processing terminal 103 is inquired. When “Yes” is selected, the information processing terminal 103 can retrieve the backup transmission destination information 140. In this embodiment, the extracted transmission destination information can be transmitted to the information processing terminal 103 or stored in the external memory 104.

  When the information processing terminal 103 reflects (imports) transmission destination information (for example, transmission destination information exported from another packet transmission apparatus 100-1) via the communication port 115, the packet The transmission apparatus 100 transmits data that displays “Do you want to import destination information? Yes or No?” To the information processing terminal 103, and gives intention to the user who operates the information processing terminal 103. Ask. When “Yes” is selected, the transmission destination information can be reflected in the backup transmission destination information 140 in the memory 112 of the control unit 110. It is possible to transmit from the packet transmission device 100-1 via the network at the information processing terminal 103, or to store in the packet transmission device 100 from the external memory 104.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the device state management table 119. The device status management table 119 represents the overall configuration (function unit configuration, device status) of the packet transmission device 100.
The device state management table 119 is created by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 acquiring various information from each function unit (the control unit 110, the transfer unit 120, the network I / F unit 130, etc.) mounted on the packet transmission device 100. To do. The device state management table 119 is updated repeatedly (for example, periodically) and also in each operation flow.

The model number 301 is functional unit identification information that identifies devices (functional units) such as the control unit 110 and the transfer unit 120. For example, when the transfer unit 120 is specified, it can be referred to as “transfer unit specifying information”. The model number 301 is also called a model name. The function unit specifying information is not limited to the model number as long as each function unit can be specified.
The mounting location 300 is a mounting location identifier that identifies the mounting location of the device specified by the functional unit specifying information. The mounting location 300 has an area (function unit range) in which the function unit is mounted (such as “C-PLANE”, “D-PLANE”, “N / I”) and a slot in which the function unit is mounted. Mounting location (“_1”, “_2”, etc.). For example, in FIG. 3, three transfer units identified by “D201” of the model number 301 are respectively mounted at three locations “_1” to “_3” in the area “D-PLANE”.

  The serial number 302 is functional unit identification information that is identified by functional unit identification information and further identifies one functional unit among a plurality of identical functional units. For example, when further identifying the network I / F unit 130 specified by the network I / F unit specifying information, it can be referred to as “network I / F unit identification information”. For example, in FIG. 3, four network I / F units specified by “NIF301” which is the network I / F unit specifying information of the model number 301 are further identified by “AA007” to “AA010”. F part identification information. That is, the functional unit identification information is information included in the functional unit identification information. The functional unit identification information is not limited to the serial number as long as each functional unit can be further identified.

  The mounting location 300 and the model number 301 record where devices such as the control unit 110, the transfer unit 120, and the network I / F unit 130 are mounted, and the mounting location (mounting position) is set when each functional unit is activated. This is used for the control unit 110 to determine that it is the same as the previous activation.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the backup transmission destination information 140. The backup transmission destination information 140 is created in the memory 112 of the control unit 110 and includes a backup of the transmission destination information 128 of the routing memory 124. The backup transmission destination information 140 is created and updated when the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 creates a backup of the transmission destination information 128 of the routing memory 124. The backup transmission destination information 140 has an identifier for identifying the backed up transmission destination information 128 in addition to the transmission destination information 128 itself.

  A plurality of backup transmission destination information 140 are created. The backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 of the transfer unit 120-1 is referred to as backup transmission destination information 140-1, and the backup of the transmission destination information 128-n of the transfer unit 120-n is referred to as backup transmission destination information 140-n. FIG. 4 shows the backup transmission destination information 140-1. Note that a plurality of backup transmission destination information 140 may be collectively expressed as one table.

The transfer unit transmission destination information 900 is backed up transmission destination information 128. The transfer unit transmission destination information 900 identifies the backed up transmission destination information 128. Further, the branch number of the transmission destination information 128-1 is displayed as “# 1”.
The transfer unit model number 901 is a model number of the transfer unit 120. The transfer unit model number 901 is transfer unit identification information that identifies the transfer unit 120 in which the backed up transmission destination information 128 was stored, and stores the same value as the model number 301 of the device state management table 119.

  The network I / F unit serial number 902 is a serial number of the network I / F unit 130. The network I / F unit serial number 902 is network I / F unit identification information for further identifying the network I / F unit connected to the transfer unit 120 in which the backed up transmission destination information 128 was stored, and the device status The same value as the serial number 302 of the management table 119 is stored.

  The transfer unit transmission destination information 900, the transfer unit model number 901, and the network I / F unit serial number 902 are assigned branch numbers (such as “−1”) when describing the specific backup transmission destination information 140. I will explain. For example, in the case of the backup transmission destination information 140-1, “transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1”, “transfer unit model number 901-1”, and “network I / F unit serial number 902-1”.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 refers to the backup transmission destination information 140 when restoring the backed up transmission destination information 128.

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the packet transmission device 100 when a stop of any functional unit of the packet transmission device 100 is detected.
When the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 receives a function unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop the operation of any of the function units of the packet transmission device 100 from the administrator of the packet transmission device 100 via the communication port 115, The functional unit whose operation is to be stopped is specified by the division operation stop instruction (600).

When the functional unit that stops the operation included in the functional unit operation stop instruction is the network I / F unit 130 (YES in 601), that is, the operation of the network I / F unit 130 is stopped as the functional unit operation stop instruction. When the network I / F unit operation stop instruction is received, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 stops the operation of both the network I / F unit 130 and the transfer unit 120 and stores it in the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120. A backup of the transmission destination information 128 is created in the memory 112 of the control unit 110, and after the network I / F unit 130 is inserted, the backup of the transmission destination information 128 is restored to the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120 (603). Details of 603 will be described with reference to FIG.
The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 may receive a transfer unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop the operation of the transfer unit 120 together with the network I / F unit operation stop instruction as the function unit operation stop instruction.

  When the functional unit for stopping the operation included in the functional unit operation stop instruction is not the network I / F unit 130 (NO in 601) and the transfer unit 120 (YES in 602), that is, the functional unit operation is stopped. When receiving a transfer unit operation stop instruction as an instruction, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 stops the operation of the transfer unit 120 and makes a backup of the transmission destination information 128 stored in the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120. After creating the new transfer unit 120 and inserting it in the memory 112, the backup of the transmission destination information 128 is restored to the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120 (606). Details of 606 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the functional unit that stops the operation included in the functional unit operation stop instruction is not the network I / F unit 130 (NO in 601) and is not the transfer unit 120 (NO in 602), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 Then, predetermined processing is performed in accordance with the functional unit operation stop instruction (607).
The transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130 can be removed and inserted (replacement of the transfer unit 120 and / or the network I / F unit 130) without restarting the packet transmission device 100. It is possible to execute.

  FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the packet transmission apparatus 100 when the transfer unit 120 is removed without removing the network I / F unit 130. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating processing when the inserted transfer unit 120 is activated when the transfer unit 120 is removed (extracted) from the packet transmission apparatus 100 due to maintenance or failure and the transfer unit 120 is inserted again. In this embodiment, a case where the transfer unit 120-1 is removed and the transfer unit 120-1 is inserted again will be described. The transfer unit 120-1 to be inserted again may use the transferred transfer unit 120-1 or a new transfer unit 120.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 receives a transfer unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop the operation of the transfer unit 120-1 from the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 via the communication port 115 (800). An operation stop instruction, which is an instruction to stop the operation, is transmitted to the unit 120-1, and the apparatus state management table 119 is updated (801). By updating the device state management table 119, each piece of information in the device state management table 119 is updated to the latest information before replacement of the transfer unit 120-1. Note that updating of the device state management table 119 may update information of all functional units.

  When the routing processor 121-1 of the transfer unit 121-1 receives the operation stop instruction from the control unit 110, the routing processor 121-1 stops packet transmission / reception with the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the transfer unit 121-1 and performs routing. Update of the transmission destination information 128-1 in the memory 124-1 is stopped. When the routing processor 121-1 stops updating the transmission destination information 128-1, the routing processor 121-1 transmits an update stop notification to the control unit 110 (802).

  When receiving the update stop notification, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 copies the transmission destination information 128-1 of the routing memory 124-1 of the transfer unit 120-1 to the memory 112 of the control unit 110, and backup transmission destination information 140- 1, a backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 is created (803). At this time, the transmission destination information 128-1 to be backed up is stored in the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 as “transmission destination information # 1”. Further, “D201” of the model number 301 of the updated device state management table 119, which is the model number of the transfer unit 120-1 storing the transmission destination information 128-1 to be backed up, is stored in the transfer unit model number 901-1. Then, “AA007” of the serial number 302 of the updated device status management table 119, which is the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the transfer unit 120-1 storing the transmission destination information 128-1 to be backed up. Is stored in the network I / F unit serial number 902-1.

  When the backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 is completed, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 stops supplying power to the transfer unit 120-1, and sends “transmission destination information” to the information processing terminal 103 via the communication port 115. The backup unit 120-1 can be exchanged for the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 that transmits the data to be displayed such as “The backup of the data has been completed” and operates the information processing terminal 103. Notification is made (804).

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 is an instruction for starting activation and operation of the new transfer unit 120-1 from the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 via the communication port 115 after the insertion of the new transfer unit 120-1. When an operation start instruction is received (805), activation of a new transfer unit 120-1 is detected, device state management information is acquired, and the acquired device state management information and backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112 are acquired. Each information stored in (1) is compared (806).

  Or, when a new transfer unit 120-1 is inserted in advance into the configuration information stored in the flash memory 113 of the control unit 110, it is set to automatically start and operate the new transfer unit 120-1. When the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 detects the fitting (connection) of the internal connector when the new transfer unit 120-1 is inserted (805), it detects the activation of the new transfer unit 120-1. The apparatus state management information is acquired, and the acquired apparatus state management information is compared with each information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112 (806).

  That is, when the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 detects a change in the operation state of the transfer unit 120-1, the CPU 111 compares the device state management information with each piece of information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112.

  Note that the detection of the connection (connection) of the internal connector is performed by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 repeatedly performing (for example, periodically) the connection presence / absence confirmation for all the transfer units 120 (transfer unit connection presence / absence confirmation crawl). Processing), or an interrupt notification is transmitted from the transfer unit 120 to the control unit 110 when the internal connector is fitted (connected), and the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 detects the interrupt notification. . Alternatively, the fitting (connection) of the internal connector can be detected by a known method.

  The device state management information is acquired by acquiring information for specifying the activation target transfer unit 120-1 included in the transfer unit operation start instruction received via the communication port 115. The information specifying the transfer unit 120-1 includes the model number of the new transfer unit 120-1. Further, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 acquires information for identifying the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-1 included in the transfer unit operation start instruction or from another instruction. The information for identifying the network I / F unit 130-1 includes a serial number. The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 notifies the activation target transfer unit 120-1 of information on the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the activation target transfer unit 120-1.

  Alternatively, the acquisition of the device state management information is performed by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 inquiring of the new transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-1 to obtain the new transfer unit 120-. It is also possible to acquire the model number of the new transfer unit 120-1 from 1 and the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 from the network I / F unit 130-1.

  The model number of the new transfer unit 120-1 included in the acquired apparatus state management information, the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-1, and the transfer unit of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 When the model number 901-1 and the network I / F unit serial number 902-1 match (YES in 807), the CPU 111 instructs the information processing terminal 103 via the communication port 115 to “replace device parts”. Detected.Apply destination information and do you want to start up at high speed? Yes or No? "

  The CPU 111 transmits data to the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 that operates the information processing terminal 103, and backs up the transmission destination information 128-1 stored in the memory 112 of the control unit 110 (transfer unit transmission destination information 900). -1 transmission destination information # 1) is requested for permission to be stored in the routing memory 124-1 of the new transfer unit 120-1 (808). By requesting permission from the administrator to be stored in the routing memory 124-1, the setting for the new transfer unit 120-1 can be flexibly performed.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not an administrator operating the information processing terminal 103 has permitted (809). For example, if “Yes” is selected in 808, it is determined to be permitted, and if “No” is selected, it is determined to be not permitted.

  If permitted (YES in 809), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 starts supplying power to the new transfer unit 120-1, and configures the configuration for the routing processor 121-1 of the transfer 120-1 stored in the flash memory 113. Copy and set in the routing memory 124-1 of the new transfer unit 120-1, identified by the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112, and backup of the transmission destination information 128-1. Is transferred to the routing memory 124-1 of the new transfer unit 120-1, and the destination information # 1 is restored as the transmission destination information 128-1. . In addition, the apparatus status management table 119 is updated (810).

  By updating the device state management table 119, each piece of information in the device state management table 119 is updated from the information in the transfer unit 120-1 before replacement to the information in the new transfer unit 120-1 after replacement. When updating the device state management table 119, the device state management information acquired from the transfer unit operation start instruction may be used, or may be acquired separately from the activated transfer unit 120-1. The device state management table 119 may be updated by acquiring information on all functional units.

In 810, the routing processor 121-1 receives a configuration setting instruction and a restore instruction from the CPU 111 of the control unit 110, the routing processor 121-1 stores the configuration in the routing memory 124-1, and the transmission destination information 128. -1 restoration may be performed. That is, the destination information 128-1 of the removed old transfer unit 120-1 stored in the memory 112 of the control unit 110 is stored in the routing memory 124-1 of the newly attached new transfer unit 120-1. Then, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits an operation start instruction which is an instruction to start operation to the new transfer unit 120-1 (811). When receiving the operation start instruction, the routing processor 121-1 of the new transfer unit 120-1 enters an operation state and starts packet transmission (812). The operation state in which packet transmission is possible refers to a state in which communication for learning the transmission destination information 128 does not frequently occur and stable packet transmission is possible. In other words, it is possible to perform packet transmission in parallel with the communication for learning the transmission destination information 128, but in this case, since the transmission destination information 128 is being learned, a communication that places a load on the entire network such as flooding. Is not in operation.

  The model number of the new transfer unit 120-1 included in the acquired apparatus state management information, the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-1, and the transfer unit of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 When the model number 901-1 and the network I / F unit serial number 902-1 do not match (NO in 807), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 sends information to the information processing terminal 103 via the communication port 115. Data to be displayed is transmitted, such as “The device part replacement was detected but the information does not match. Do you want to continue the startup process? Yes or No?”.

  The CPU 111 transmits data and asks the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 that operates the information processing terminal 103 for permission to continue the activation process of the new transfer unit 120-1 (816). By requesting permission from the administrator to continue the activation process of the new transfer unit 120-1, the administrator can confirm whether or not the new transfer unit 120-1 is the correct transfer unit to be exchanged. Can do.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not an administrator operating the information processing terminal 103 has permitted (817). For example, if “Yes” is selected in 816, it is determined to be permitted, and if “No” is selected, it is determined to be not permitted. Note that if it is not necessary to check whether the transfer unit is a correct transfer unit, steps 816 and 817 need not be executed.

  If not permitted (NO in 817), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 receives a transfer unit operation start instruction that is an instruction to start and operate the new transfer unit 120-1 from the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100. Wait (805). Or, when a new transfer unit 120-1 is inserted in advance into the configuration information stored in the flash memory 113 of the control unit 110, it is set to automatically start and operate the new transfer unit 120-1. If there is, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 waits for the fitting (connection) of the internal connector when the new transfer unit 120-1 is inserted (805).

  When permitted in 816 (YES in 817) and not permitted in 808 (NO in 809), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 starts power supply to the new transfer unit 120-1 and flash memory 113. The configuration for the routing processor 121-1 of the new transfer 120-1 stored in is copied and set in the routing memory 124-1, and the destination information 128-1 of the routing memory 124-1 of the new transfer unit 120-1 is set. The transmission destination information # 1 of the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 is not restored, and the transmission destination information 128-1 is set to an initial state in which no information is stored.

  Also, the apparatus state management table 119 is updated (813). By updating the device state management table 119, each piece of information in the device state management table 119 is updated from the information in the transfer unit 120-1 before replacement to the information in the new transfer unit 120-1 after replacement. When updating the device state management table 119, the device state management information acquired from the transfer unit operation start instruction may be used, or may be acquired separately from the activated transfer unit 120-1. Note that updating of the device state management table 119 may update information of all functional units. Then, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits an operation start instruction to the new transfer unit 120-1 (814).

When receiving the operation start instruction, the routing processor 121-1 of the new transfer unit 120-1 transitions to a state in which transmission destination information can be learned, and learns and updates the transmission destination information 128-1 (815). . When learning of the transmission destination information 128-1 is completed, the new transfer unit 120-1 enters an operating state and starts packet transmission (812). Note that packet transmission may be performed until learning of the transmission destination information 128-1 is completed.
The power supply control for the transfer unit 120 may be performed by a functional unit other than the control unit 110.

  Further, regarding the restoration (810) of the transmission destination information 128-1, the transmission destination information 128-1 is stored in the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120 even if the model number 301 of the transfer unit 120 changes before and after the transfer unit 120 is inserted and removed. When the storage (recording) format to be used does not change, the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 is compared when comparing (806) the apparatus state management information with the information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112. The comparison may not be performed.

  Alternatively, after the backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 is completed (804), the storage (recording) format of the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 is changed to the model number of the transfer unit 120 before removal. When processing for converting from the storage (recording) format 301 to the storage (recording) format of the model number 301 of the transfer unit 120 after insertion is performed, it is stored in the device state management information and the backup transmission destination information 140-1 in the memory 112. At the time of comparison (806) with each information, it is not necessary to compare the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1.

  In these cases, the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-1 included in the device state management information and the network I / F unit serial number 902 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 If 1 matches, the process proceeds to 808.

  Whether the storage (recording) format of the transfer destination transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 that is a backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 needs to be converted and / or whether to convert. The information for identifying is previously defined (set) in the configuration file, and the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 before the comparison with each information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the device state management information memory 112 In addition, the comparison target of each information may be determined by reading the configuration file.

Further, the CPU 111 may obtain permission to store in advance without requesting the information processing terminal 103 to store permission in the routing memory 124-1 in 808. By obtaining permission to store in advance, a series of processing after the insertion of the new transfer unit 120-1 can be performed in the packet transmission apparatus 100, and the time until the operation state can be further shortened. it can.
When a plurality of backup transmission destination information 140 is stored in the memory 112 as the backup transmission destination information 140, the backup is performed using the serial number of the network I / F unit 130 connected to the transfer unit 120 that performs the restoration as a search key. The transmission destination information 140 can be specified.

  As described above, when the transfer unit is replaced, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of communication associated with the relearning of the transmission destination information stored in the routing memory, reduce the load on the entire network, and the transfer unit becomes in an operating state. Can be shortened.

  FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the packet transmission apparatus 100 when the network I / F unit 130 is removed. For example, this is an operation flowchart illustrating processing when the mounting location of the network I / F unit 130 is changed due to maintenance of the network I / F unit 130 or the like. That is, when the network I / F unit 130 removed (removed) from the packet transmission device 100 is inserted into another mounting location such as an empty slot of the packet transmission device 100, the inserted network I / F unit 130 and the network The process at the time of starting the transfer part 120 connected with the I / F part 130 is shown.

  In this embodiment, the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1 are removed, and the removed transfer unit 120-1 or a new transfer unit 120 is mounted on the transfer unit 120-2 that is an empty slot. A case will be described in which the network I / F unit 130-1 inserted and removed is inserted into the mounting location of the network I / F unit 130-2, which is an empty slot. Further, a case will be described in which the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 receives a transfer unit operation stop instruction together with a network I / F unit operation stop instruction as a function unit operation stop instruction.

  Regarding the new transfer unit 120-2, the transferred transfer unit 120-1 may be used or the new transfer unit 120 may be used. On the other hand, the removed network I / F unit 130-1 is used as the network I / F unit 130-2. This is because the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1, which is a backup of the transmission destination information 128-1, is linked to the extracted network I / F unit 130-1.

  Note that the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1 are removed, and the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1 are again inserted into the mounting locations (that is, the removed locations). Also when it does, it follows the flow of FIG. Further, when the network I / F unit 130-1 is removed and inserted again into the mounting location (that is, the removed location) of the network I / F unit 130-1, the flow of FIG. 7 is followed. In this case, the transfer unit 120-1 is not inserted or removed. Further, the network I / F unit 130-1 is removed, and the removed network I / F unit 130-1 is inserted into a place where the network I / F unit 130-2 that is an empty slot is mounted, and the inserted network I / F is inserted. The flow of FIG. 7 is also followed when connecting the unit 130-1 and the transfer unit 120-2 originally inserted as a cold standby standby system. In this case, insertion of a new transfer unit 120-2 does not occur.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits a transfer unit operation stop instruction, which is an instruction to stop the operation of the transfer unit 120-1 from the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100, and the network I / F unit 130-1 via the communication port 115. When the network I / F unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop the operation is received (1000), the operation stop is an instruction to stop the operation to the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1. The instruction is transmitted, and the device state management table 119 is updated (1001). By updating the device state management table 119, each piece of information in the device state management table 119 is updated to the latest information before removal of the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1. Note that updating of the device state management table 119 may update information of all functional units.

  When the routing processor 121-1 of the transfer unit 121-1 receives the operation stop instruction from the control unit 110, the routing processor 121-1 stops packet transmission / reception with the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the transfer unit 121-1 and performs routing. Update of the transmission destination information 128-1 in the memory 124-1 is stopped. Then, when the routing processor 121-1 stops updating the transmission destination information 128-1, the routing processor 121-1 transmits an update stop notification to the control unit 110 (1002).

When receiving the update stop notification, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 copies the transmission destination information 128-1 of the routing memory 124-1 of the transfer unit 120-1 to the memory 112 of the control unit 110, and backup transmission destination information 140- A backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 is created as 1 (1003).
At this time, the transmission destination information 128-1 to be backed up is stored in the transfer unit transmission destination information 900 as “transmission destination information # 1”. Further, “D201” of the model number 301 of the updated device state management table 119, which is the model number of the transfer unit 120-1 storing the transmission destination information 128-1 to be backed up, is stored in the transfer unit model number 901. Then, “AA007” of the serial number 302 of the updated device status management table 119, which is the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the transfer unit 120-1 storing the transmission destination information 128-1 to be backed up. Is stored in the network I / F unit serial number 902.

  When the backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 is completed, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 stops supplying power to the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1, and the information processing terminal via the communication port 115. Data to be displayed such as “Destination information backup completed” is transmitted to 103, and the transfer unit 120-1 is sent to the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 that operates the information processing terminal 103. Then, it notifies that the network I / F unit 130-1 can be removed (1004).

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits a packet via the communication port 115 after insertion of the new transfer unit 120-2 and insertion of the network I / F unit 130-1 into the network I / F unit 130-2. A transfer unit operation start instruction which is an instruction to start and operate a new transfer unit 120-2 from the administrator of the apparatus 100, and a network I / F unit 130 inserted into a place where the network I / F unit 130-2 is installed. -1 (hereinafter referred to as “post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1”), a new transfer unit 120 is received (1005), which is an instruction to start and operate the network I / F unit. -2 and post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1 is activated, device status management information is acquired, and the acquired device status management information and memory 112 Comparing the respective information stored in the up transmission destination information 140-1 (1006).

  Alternatively, when the new transfer unit 120-2 and the network I / F unit 130-1 are inserted in advance into the configuration information stored in the flash memory 113 of the control unit 110, the new transfer unit 120-2 and When it is set to start and operate the network I / F unit 130-1, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 is configured to insert the new transfer unit 120-2 and the network I / F unit 130-1. When the connector is connected (connected) (1005), the activation of the new transfer unit 120-2 and the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1 is detected, the device status management information is acquired, and the acquired device The state management information is compared with each information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112 (1006).

  That is, when detecting a change in the operation state of the transfer unit 120-2, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 compares the device state management information with each piece of information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112.

  It should be noted that the detection (connection) of the internal connector is performed by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 repeatedly (for example, periodically) repeatedly confirming whether or not the transfer unit 120 and the network I / F unit 130 are connected. (Transfer unit connection presence / absence confirmation crawl process) can be executed, or when the internal connector is fitted (connected), an interrupt notification is transmitted from the transfer unit 120 side and the network I / F unit 130-1 side to the control unit 110 for control. This can be executed by the CPU 111 of the unit 110 detecting an interrupt notification. Alternatively, a method may be used in which the transfer unit 120 repeatedly (for example, periodically) checks whether the network I / F unit 130 connected to the transfer unit 120 is connected and notifies the control unit 110 of the execution result. In addition, the fitting (connection) of the internal connector can be detected by a known method.

  The acquisition of the device state management information is included in the information specifying the activation target transfer unit 120-2 and the network I / F unit operation start instruction included in the transfer unit operation start instruction received via the communication port 115. This is performed by acquiring information specifying the network I / F unit 130-1 after insertion of the activation target. The information for specifying the transfer unit 120-2 to be activated includes the model number of the new transfer unit 120-2. In addition, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 includes the network I / F unit after the insertion of the activation target included in the network I / F unit operation start instruction or connected to the new transfer unit 120-2 to be activated from another instruction. Information identifying 130-1 is acquired. The information for identifying the network I / F unit 130-1 includes a serial number. The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 notifies the activation target new transfer unit 120-1 of information on the activation target network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the activation target new transfer unit 120-1.

  Alternatively, the acquisition of the device status management information is performed by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 inquiring of the new transfer unit 120-2 and the network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-2, and the new transfer unit 120- It is also possible to obtain the model number of the new transfer unit 120-2 from 2 and the serial number of the network I / F unit 130-1 from the network I / F unit 130-1.

  The model number of the new transfer unit 120-2 included in the acquired apparatus state management information, the serial number of the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-2, and the backup transmission destination information 140-1 When the transfer unit model number 901-1 and the network I / F unit serial number 902-1 match (YES in 1007), the CPU 111 instructs the information processing terminal 103 via the communication port 115 to “multiple devices”. Replaced parts detected. Send destination data such as “Do you want to start up fast by applying destination information? Yes or No?”.

  The CPU 111 transmits data to the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 that operates the information processing terminal 103, and backs up the transmission destination information 128-1 stored in the memory 112 of the control unit 110 (transfer unit transmission destination information 900). -1 transmission destination information # 1) is requested for permission to be stored in the routing memory 124-2 of the new transfer unit 120-2 (1008). By requesting permission from the administrator to be stored in the routing memory 124-2, the new transfer unit 120-2 can be flexibly set.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the administrator who operates the information processing terminal 103 permits (1009). For example, if “Yes” is selected in 1008, it is determined that it is permitted, and if “No” is selected, it is determined that it is not permitted.

  If permitted (YES in 1009), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 starts to supply power to the new transfer unit 120-2, and configures the configuration for the routing processor 121-2 of the transfer 120-2 stored in the flash memory 113. Copy and set in the routing memory 124-2 of the new transfer unit 120-2, identified by the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112, and backup of the transmission destination information 128-1. Is transferred to the routing memory 124-2 of the new transfer unit 120-2, and the transfer destination information # 1 is restored as the transfer destination information 128-2. . In addition, power supply to the network I / F unit 130-1 is started after insertion. Also, the apparatus state management table 119 is updated (1010).

  By updating the device state management table 119, each information of the device state management table 119 is changed from the information of the transfer unit 120-1 before removal and the information of the network I / F unit 130-1 to the information of the new transfer unit 120-2. And it is updated to the information of the network I / F unit 130-1 after insertion. When updating the device state management table 119, the device state management information acquired from the transfer unit operation start instruction and the network I / F unit operation start instruction may be used, or the activated new transfer unit 120-2 and the inserted network You may acquire separately from I / F part 130-1. The device state management table 119 may be updated by acquiring information on all functional units.

  In 1010, the routing processor 121-2 receives the configuration setting instruction and the restore instruction from the CPU 111 of the control unit 110, the routing processor 121-2 stores the configuration in the routing memory 124-2, and the transmission destination information 128. -2 restoration may be performed. That is, the destination information 128-1 of the removed old transfer unit 120-1 stored in the memory 112 of the control unit 110 is stored in the routing memory 124-2 of the newly attached new transfer unit 120-2. .

  Then, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits an operation start instruction which is an instruction to start operation to the new transfer unit 120-2 (1011). When receiving the operation start instruction, the routing processor 121-2 of the new transfer unit 120-2 enters an operation state and starts packet transmission (1012).

  The model number of the new transfer unit 120-2 included in the acquired apparatus state management information, the serial number of the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1 connected to the new transfer unit 120-2, and the backup transmission destination information 140-1 When at least one of the transfer unit model number 901-1 and the network I / F unit serial number 902-1 does not match (NO in 1007), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits information via the communication port 115. Data to be displayed is transmitted to the processing terminal 103, such as “The device part replacement was detected but the information does not match. Do you want to continue the activation process? Yes or No?”.

  The CPU 111 transmits the data and permits the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100 operating the information processing terminal 103 to continue the activation process of the new transfer unit 120-2 and the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1. Obtain (1016). By requesting permission from the administrator to continue the activation process of the new transfer unit 120-2 and the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1, the administrator can send the new transfer unit 120-2 and post-insertion. It is possible to confirm whether the network I / F unit 130-1 is a correct transfer unit and a correct network I / F unit to be exchanged.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not an administrator operating the information processing terminal 103 has permitted (1017). For example, if “Yes” is selected in 1016, it is determined that permission has been granted, and if “No” is selected, it is determined that permission has been denied. Note that if it is not necessary to check whether the transfer unit is correct and the network I / F unit is correct, steps 1016 and 1017 are not necessary.

  If not permitted (NO in 1017), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 starts activation and operation of the new transfer unit 120-2 and the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1 from the administrator of the packet transmission apparatus 100. It waits for reception of a transfer unit operation start instruction as an instruction (1005). Alternatively, when a new transfer unit 120-2 and network I / F unit 130-1 are inserted in advance into the configuration information stored in the flash memory 113 of the control unit 110, the new transfer unit 120-1 automatically When it is set to start and operate, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 waits for the fitting (connection) of the internal connector when the new transfer unit 120-2 and the network I / F unit 130-1 are inserted. (1005).

  When it is permitted at 1016 (YES at 1017) and when it is not permitted at 1008 (NO at 1009), the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 starts supplying power to the new transfer unit 120-2 and stores it in the flash memory 113. The stored configuration for the routing processor 121-2 of the new transfer 120-2 is copied and set in the routing memory 124-2, and transferred to the destination information 128-2 of the routing memory 124-2 of the new transfer unit 120-2. The transmission destination information # 1 of the partial transmission destination information 900-1 is not restored, and the transmission destination information 128-2 is set to an initial state in which no information is stored.

  In addition, power supply to the network I / F unit 130-1 is started after insertion. Further, the apparatus state management table 119 is updated (1013). By updating the device state management table 119, each information of the device state management table 119 is changed from the information of the transfer unit 120-1 before removal and the information of the network I / F unit 130-1 to the information of the new transfer unit 120-2. And it is updated to the information of the network I / F unit 130-1 after insertion. When updating the device state management table 119, the device state management information acquired from the transfer unit operation start instruction and the network I / F unit operation start instruction may be used, or the activated new transfer unit 120-2 and the inserted network You may acquire separately from I / F part 130-1. The device state management table 119 may be updated by acquiring information on all functional units.

Then, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transmits an operation start instruction to the new transfer unit 120-2 (1014). When receiving the operation start instruction, the routing processor 121-2 of the new transfer unit 120-2 transitions to a state in which transmission destination information can be learned, and learns and updates the transmission destination information 128-2 (1015). . When learning of the transmission destination information 128-2 is completed, the new transfer unit 120-2 enters an operating state and starts packet transmission (1012). Note that packet transmission may be performed until learning of the transmission destination information 128-2 is completed.
The power supply control for the transfer unit 120 and the network I / F unit 130 may be performed by a functional unit other than the control unit 110.

  Further, the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1 are removed, and the transferred transfer unit 120-1 and the new network I / F unit 130 are replaced with the transfer unit 120-1 and the network I / F unit 130-1. Or the network I / F unit 130-1 is removed, and a new transfer unit 120 and a new network I / F unit 130 are installed. When inserting each into the mounting part (namely, extracted part) of the transfer part 120-1 and the network I / F part 130-1, the network I / F part 130-1 is removed and the new network I / F part 130 is inserted. Is inserted into a place where the network I / F unit 130-1 is mounted (that is, where it is removed) (in this case, insertion / extraction of the transfer unit 120-1 occurs) There), so that the serial number 302 of the network I / F unit 130 is changed before and after insertion of the network I / F section 130. In this case, when the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 creates a backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 in the routing memory 124-1 of the transfer unit 120-1 (1003), the network I / F unit 130-1 to be extracted is created. Instead of the serial number, the mounting location and the number of ports are stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1.

  Then, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 specifies the model number of the transfer unit 120 and the new network I / F unit 130 as device state management information from the transfer unit operation start instruction or from the inserted new network I / F unit 130. As the information to be acquired, the mounting location and the number of ports of the new network I / F unit 130 are acquired. The model number of the transfer unit 120 stored in 1 is compared with the mounting location and the number of ports of the new network I / F unit 130 (1006).

  The model number of the transfer unit 120 included in the device state management information, the mounting location and the number of ports of the new network I / F unit 130, the model number of the transfer unit 120 stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1, and the new network I / F unit If the 130 mounting locations and the number of ports match, the process proceeds to 1008.

  Also, regarding the restoration (1010) of the transmission destination information 128-1, even if the transfer unit 120 and the network I / F unit 130 are inserted and removed before and after the model number 301 of the transfer unit 120 changes, the transfer is performed in the routing memory 124 of the transfer unit 120. When the storage (recording) format for storing the destination information 128-1 does not change, the transfer unit is used for comparison (1006) between the apparatus state management information and each information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112. It is not necessary to compare the transmission destination information 900-1.

  Alternatively, after the backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 is completed (1004), the storage (recording) format of the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 is removed from the network I / F unit 130. When processing for converting from the storage (recording) format of the model number 301 of the previous transfer unit 120 to the storage (recording) format of the model number 301 of the transfer unit 120 after inserting the network I / F unit 130 is performed, device status management When comparing the information with each information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112 (1006), the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 need not be compared.

  In these cases, when the serial number of the post-insertion network I / F unit 130-1 included in the device state management information matches the network I / F unit serial number 902-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1. , 1008.

  Whether the storage (recording) format of the transfer destination transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 that is a backup of the transmission destination information 128-1 needs to be converted and / or whether to convert. The information for identifying is previously defined (set) in the configuration file, and the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 before the comparison with each information stored in the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the device state management information memory 112 In addition, the comparison target of each information may be determined by reading the configuration file.

  Further, the CPU 111 may obtain permission to store in advance without requesting permission to store the information in the information processing terminal 103 in the routing memory 124-2 in 1008. By obtaining permission to store in advance, a series of processing after the insertion of the new transfer unit 120-2 can be performed in the packet transmission apparatus 100, and the time until the operation state can be further shortened. it can.

  When a plurality of backup transmission destination information 140 is stored in the memory 112 as the backup transmission destination information 140, the backup is performed using the serial number of the network I / F unit 130 connected to the transfer unit 120 that performs the restoration as a search key. The transmission destination information 140 can be specified.

  As described above, when the network I / F unit is removed and inserted, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of communication associated with the relearning of the transmission destination information stored in the routing memory, and to reduce the load on the entire network. It is possible to shorten the time required until the operation state in which packet transmission is possible. Further, by requesting various permissions from the administrator, settings for the transfer unit and operation of the packet transmission apparatus can be flexibly performed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the transmission destination information recording table 118. The transmission destination information recording table 118 is stored in the memory 112 of the control unit 110. The transmission destination information recording table 118 is set in advance by the administrator via the communication port 115.
The CPU 111 refers to the transmission destination information recording table 118 to restore the backup transmission destination information 140 of the backup transmission destination information 140 that is a backup of the transmission destination information 128 to the routing memory 124 when the backup transmission destination information 140 is restored. It is possible to determine whether or not the transfer unit transmission destination information 900 can be reflected (stored or not). Therefore, specific destination information of the transfer unit destination information 900 of the backup destination information 140 can be stored in the routing memory 124.

  The table type 200 indicates a list of tables that can be stored in the routing memory 124 as transmission destination information.

Whether the restoration reflection availability 201 reflects each table type 200 of the transmission destination information 128 backed up as the transfer unit transmission destination information 900 of the backup transmission destination information 140 at the time of restoration when the transfer unit 120 is replaced (whether to restore) Indicates whether or not. That is, it indicates whether or not a plurality of pieces of transmission destination information of the table type 200 are stored in the routing memory 124.
The restore reflection availability 201 is set for each transfer unit 120. The branch number of the transfer unit 120-1 is displayed as “# 1”.

  For example, the restoration reflection availability 201 of the transfer unit 120-1 is the transfer unit # 1 201-1. Further, since “ARP” which is the table type 200 of the entry 101 is “yes”, it is reflected in the routing memory 124-1 at the time of restoration, but “ISPEC” of the entry 107 is “no”. Therefore, it is not reflected in the routing memory 124-1 at the time of restoration.

  The transmission destination information recording table 118 is created by inputting a command from the information processing terminal 103 before the packet transmission apparatus 100 is operated. For example, the packet transmission apparatus 100 receives the input “# rapid config d-plane # 1 ar yes” from the information processing terminal 103, so that the # 101 ARP of the transfer unit # 1 201-1 of the transmission destination information recording table 118 is received. The setting relating to the table is received and defined (stored) in the memory 112 of the control unit 110.

  Also, by accepting an input of “# rapid config d-plane # 2 mac-address yes”, the setting related to the # 102 MAC address table of the transfer unit # 2 201-2 of the transmission destination information recording table 118 is received and the control unit 110 is defined (stored) in the memory 112.

Next, an operation in which the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not restoration can be reflected using the transmission destination information recording table 118 will be described with reference to FIG. The same applies to the case of FIG.
6, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 transfers the transmission destination information # 1 of the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 of the memory 112 to the routing memory 124- of the new transfer unit 120-1. 1, each table (each transmission destination information) included in the transmission destination information # 1 of the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1 with reference to the transmission destination information recording table 118 And the table type 200 of the transfer unit # 1 201-1 of the restoration reflection availability 201 are compared.

  The CPU 111 of the control unit 110, among the tables included in the transmission destination information # 1 of the transfer unit transmission destination information 900-1 of the backup transmission destination information 140-1, the transfer unit # 1 201-1 of the restore reflection availability 201. A table that matches the table type for which “yes” is set in the table type 200 is read, each read table is stored in the routing memory 124-1 as the transmission destination information 128-1, and the transmission destination information # 1 is restored. I do. By setting the restoration reflection availability 201 for each table type 200, the administrator can flexibly set the new transfer unit 120-1.

  Moreover, since the administrator sets the table type 200 in advance, the routing memory 124 of each transfer unit 120 does not necessarily have the entire table type 200. Therefore, the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 repeatedly (for example, periodically) inquires each transfer unit 120 about the table type held by the routing memory 124 and stores it in the table type 200 of the transmission destination information recording table 118. When a table type that does not exist is detected, an entry of the transmission destination information recording table 118 can be added.

  In this case, display data such as “A new table type has been detected. Do you want to add it to the transmission destination information record table? Yes or No?” Is sent to the information processing terminal 103, and permission to add an entry is granted. The administrator may be notified of the request. After adding the entry, the administrator can set the restoration reflection availability 201 of each transfer unit 120 of the added entry.

  As described above, when exchanging the network I / F unit 130 and / or the transfer unit 120, the packet transmission apparatus 100 creates a backup of the transmission destination information 128 of the transfer unit 120 in the memory 112, and before and after the exchange. The combination of the network I / F unit 130 and the transfer unit 120 is determined, and whether or not the created backup is restored is controlled.

Therefore, packet transmission can be performed without re-learning of transmission destination information, the occurrence of communication associated with re-learning can be suppressed, the load on the entire network can be reduced, and the operation state in which the packet transmission apparatus can transmit packets can be reduced. It is possible to shorten the time required to become.
In the present embodiment, the exchange of one transfer unit and / or network I / F unit has been described, but the same applies to the exchange of a plurality of transfer units and / or network I / F units. In this embodiment, the transfer unit and the network I / F unit have been described as separate functional units that can be inserted and removed. However, the transfer unit includes the function of the network I / F unit, and one functional unit that can be inserted and removed. You may comprise as. Further, in this embodiment, the operation in one packet transmission apparatus has been described. However, the destination information is exported and backed up to the external memory 104, the information processing terminal 103, another packet transmission apparatus, etc. You may restore the backup exported to memory. Thereby, operation | movement of a packet transmission apparatus can be performed more flexibly.

In addition, this invention is not limited to an above-described Example, Various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.
Each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, and the like may be realized by hardware by designing a part or all of them with, for example, an integrated circuit. Each of the above-described configurations, functions, and the like may be realized by software by interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function by the processor. Information such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function is stored in a recording device such as a memory, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD. Can do.
Further, the control lines and information lines indicate what is considered necessary for the explanation, and not all the control lines and information lines on the product are necessarily shown. Actually, it may be considered that almost all the components are connected to each other.

100 packet transmission device 110 control unit 111 CPU
112 Memory 113 Flash memory 118 Transmission destination information recording table 119 Device state management table 120 Transfer unit 121 Routing processor 124 Routing memory 128 Transmission destination information 130 Network interface unit 131 Port

Claims (14)

A communication device,
An interface unit for transmitting and receiving packets;
A first storage unit that stores transmission destination information that is information on a transmission destination of a packet received by the interface unit, and that determines the transmission destination using the received packet and the transmission destination information And
A control unit for controlling the entire communication device;
A second storage unit that is communicable from the transfer unit and the control unit, and stores the transmission destination information and interface unit specifying information for specifying the interface unit;
The controller is
When detecting a change in the operating state of the transfer unit,
The interface unit specifying information of the interface unit is acquired and stored in the second storage unit using the acquired interface unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit. And controlling whether to store the transmission destination information in the first storage unit of the transfer unit. The communication device according to claim 1,
The controller is
When the acquired interface unit specifying information corresponds to the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit, the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit is transferred to the transfer unit. A communication apparatus that stores the transmission destination information in the first storage unit. The communication device according to claim 2,
The second storage unit is provided in the control unit, further stores transfer unit specifying information for specifying the transfer unit,
The controller is
When detecting a change in the operating state of the transfer unit,
The transfer unit specifying information of the transfer unit and the interface unit specifying information of the interface unit are acquired and stored in the acquired storage unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information and the second storage unit of the control unit. When the transfer unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information correspond to each other, the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit is transferred to the first storage unit of the transfer unit. A communication device that is stored as transmission destination information. The communication device according to claim 3,
The controller is
When the transfer unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop the operation of the transfer unit is received from the outside, the transmission destination information stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit is stored in the second of the control unit. The communication apparatus stores the transmission destination information as the transmission destination information. The communication device according to claim 4,
A second storage unit of the control unit further stores setting information for setting the transfer unit;
The controller is
The transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit is stored as the transmission destination information of the first storage unit of the transfer unit, and is stored in the second storage unit of the control unit. The communication apparatus, wherein the stored setting information is stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit. The communication device according to claim 5,
The controller is
When a transfer unit operation start instruction that is an instruction to start operation of the transfer unit is received from the outside, a change in the operation state of the transfer unit is detected, and the transfer unit included in the received transfer unit operation start instruction From the specific information and the interface unit specific information, or from the transfer unit that has detected the change in the operational state and the interface unit that is connected to the transfer unit that has detected the change in the operational state, the transfer unit specific information of the transfer unit and A communication apparatus that acquires the interface unit specifying information of the interface unit. The communication device according to claim 6,
The controller is
When the permission to store the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit as the transmission destination information of the first storage unit of the transfer unit is received from the outside, The communication apparatus storing the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit as the transmission destination information of the first storage unit of the transfer unit. The communication device according to claim 7,
The controller is
When storing the transmission destination information stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit in the transmission destination information of the second storage unit of the control unit is completed, the storage completion is notified to the outside. A communication device characterized by the above. The communication device according to claim 8,
The first storage unit of the transfer unit is
Storing a plurality of the transmission destination information;
The second storage unit of the control unit is
For each of a plurality of the transmission destination information stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit, the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit is changed to the first of the transfer unit. Further storing storage availability information indicating whether or not to store as the transmission destination information of the storage unit,
The controller is
Storing the plurality of transmission destination information stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit as the plurality of transmission destination information of the second storage unit of the control unit;
The plurality of transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit is stored as the plurality of transmission destination information in the first storage unit of the transfer unit with reference to the storage availability information Whether or not for each of the plurality of transmission destination information in the second storage unit of the control unit. The communication device according to claim 9,
The transfer unit specifying information is a model number of the transfer unit,
The communication unit characterized in that the interface unit specifying information is a serial number of the interface unit. A communication device,
An interface unit for transmitting and receiving packets;
A first storage unit that stores transmission destination information that is information on a transmission destination of a packet received by the interface unit, and that determines the transmission destination using the received packet and the transmission destination information And
A control unit for controlling the entire communication device;
A second storage unit that is communicable from the transfer unit and the control unit, and stores the transmission destination information and interface unit specifying information for specifying the interface unit;
The controller is
When a transfer unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop operation of the transfer unit or a transfer unit operation start instruction that is an instruction to start operation of the transfer unit is received from the outside,
The interface unit specifying information of the interface unit is acquired and stored in the second storage unit using the acquired interface unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit. And controlling whether to store the transmission destination information in the first storage unit of the transfer unit. A communication device control method comprising:
The communication device
An interface unit for transmitting and receiving packets;
A transfer unit that determines a transmission destination of the received packet and a control unit that controls the entire communication device;
The transfer unit is
A first storage unit that stores information on the transmission destination and stores transmission destination information to be updated based on the received packet;
The controller is
A second storage unit for storing the transmission destination information and interface unit specifying information for specifying the interface unit;
The control method of the communication device is:
When the transfer unit operation stop instruction that is an instruction to stop the operation of the transfer unit is received from the outside, the transmission destination information stored in the first storage unit of the transfer unit is stored in the second of the control unit. A first step of storing as the transmission destination information in the storage unit of
After the first step, when a transfer unit operation start instruction, which is an instruction to start operation of the transfer unit, is received from the outside, from the received transfer unit operation start instruction or from the transfer unit operation start instruction A second step of acquiring the interface unit specifying information from an interface unit connected to the transfer unit specified by
A third step of comparing the interface unit specifying information acquired in the second step with the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit;
According to the comparison result of the third step, the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit is stored as the transmission destination information of the first storage unit of the transfer unit. A communication device control method, comprising: a fourth step. A method for controlling a communication device according to claim 12,
As a result of the comparison in the third step, when the acquired interface unit specifying information corresponds to the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit, the fourth step is performed. A control method for a communication apparatus, comprising: A communication device control method according to claim 13,
The second storage unit of the control unit is
Further storing transfer unit specifying information for specifying the transfer unit and setting information for setting the transfer unit;
In the second step, the transfer unit specifying information is acquired together with the interface unit specifying information;
In the third step,
The transfer unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information acquired in the second step are compared with the transfer unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit. ,
As a result of the comparison in the third step, the acquired transfer unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information, and the transfer unit specifying information and the interface unit specifying information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit, When the above corresponds, the fourth step is executed,
A fifth step of storing the setting information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit in the first storage unit of the transfer unit;
Whether to store the transmission destination information stored in the second storage unit of the control unit as the transmission destination information of the first storage unit of the transfer unit before executing the fourth step. A control method for a communication apparatus, comprising a sixth step of inquiring the outside.

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